Was out on the boat yesterday and everything was running fine. Stopped to idle in neutral for a few minutes and drive would not shift back into gear. No forward no reverse. Got the boat back on the trailer after a tow from a friend and found the upper and lower shift shafts have somehow become disengaged and misalligned. Could this be caused by an improperly adjusted shift cable or is it something else?
Thanks, Dave

That is a weird one, did you have the drive recently? Look at the the piece on the drive is the longest end facing forward it is L shaped and must be forward, though I have never seen it, it may be possible to have it in the reversed position. If it can be in the reverse that may let it slip out of the channel in the gimble.

Just a Guess!

MOP, Yes I recently had the drive serviced. Your suggestion is a good one. I will look at that today.
Thanks, Dave

I looked at the drive closer today and here's what I found. The lower gear housing has a brass piece called the shift shaft or at least that's what I think it's called. At the top it's flat and mates to a 'U' or horseshoe shaped piece in the upper housing. The shift shaft actually slid down and out from the upper part ? I can reach in with my fingers and move it up and down. Any suggestion's ?
Thanks, Dave

where the upper and lower separated recently say for a water pump, It sounds like they forgot to put the washer in that goes on top of the shift shaft bushing.....#52 in the below pic ( if this is a gen I alpha ie mr r or pre alpha) you didnt state the year

GOODT, Yes the upper and lower were seperated and resealed. I also think the shift dog ? was replaced. I did not have any problems with the drive until now. We have used the boat 3 times previous to this. What makes matters worse is that we are leaving for vacation on Saturday 7/ 8 and the boat is a neccessity. I will be calling the person that did the drive on Monday for his opinion / help.
Thanks, Dave

Oh, and yes it is an ALPHA GEN 1 . I should also mention the drive was shipped to and from the mechanic seperated. When I got it back it was painted and reinstalled by myself.

then thats what it is he forgot to put the washer in, very easy fix You can use any stainless 3/8 washer and it can be done with the drive still on the boat

Do I need to seperate the lower from the upper.

yes,

If you want to give me a call Ill walk you through it if you want......